8 Best 15,000 Watt Generators That Will Run Anything

Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by Rod Olivares

For construction crews and those who like to live off the grid, there are larger generators available to produce up to 15,000 watts of power.

This is more than enough to power multiple large appliances, RVs, large tools, and more.

With each of these generators, you will get a wide variety of outlets and feature selections to make sure that you get the best generator for your needs.

Today, I am going to look at a few of the best 15,000 watt generators on the market and how they can benefit your specific needs.

1. Duromax XP15000E

As one of the largest brands in the generator industry, it is no surprise to see Duromax on the list of 15kw generators. Duromax is known for producing some of the most durable and reliable generators used both commercially and residentially.

This Duromax XP15000E is a great example of a high-powered generator that can be used both at home and on the job site.

Power

The Duromax XP15000E is going to produce 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts from the 713cc V-twin engine.

This engine produces 23 horsepower and has an operating volume of 74 dba which is pretty standard for most generators.

It is designed to handle heavy loads from construction or residential lights, refrigerators, home air conditioning units, and power tools with high amperage ratings. I would not hesitate to rely on this generator for home backup power, complete RV electrical reliance, or powering a complete jobsite.

Outlet Selection

Take a look at the outlet selection on the Duromax, you will see that you have plenty of options to make use of the full 12,000 running watts.

While I would have loved to see covered outlets, the number of outlets available makes up for this small setback.

On this generator, you will get to choose from 4 120V 20A GFCI outlets, 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, and 1 120/240V 50A heavy duty outlet for RV use.

With so many different outlets to choose from, you will have no worries about plugging up just about any appliance or tool to this generator.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

The XP15000E is equipped with a 10.8-gallon fuel tank to allow for up to 8.83 hours of use at 50% load. This is a great run time as it will allow you to get a full day’s worth of use from your generator without having to worry about refilling it.

Stand Out Features

While this generator does not have any crazy standout features, you will get the benefit of surge arrest and a digital multimeter to keep track of your generator’s vitals.

As with most larger generators, this generator does come with wheels and collapsible handles for easy transportation.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
When it comes down to making a purchasing decision, you can’t go wrong with a Duromax generator. This generator has just about everything you could want from a generator that is built to get the job done without dealing with any extra bells and whistles.

2. Generac 5734 GP15000E

Generac is a well-known generator manufacturer and has been producing some of the largest stand by generators for years.

If you have been shopping around for a portable generator, you have most likely seen their name come across as they offer many different sized generators to fit specific customer’s needs.

Today, I am going to look at the Generac 5734 generator, a 15kw generator that can help give you the power you need.

Power

The Generac GP15000E generator is going to give you 15,000 running watts and a very impressive 22,500 starting watts to allow for unbeatable power in its class.

The high starting watt capacity allows for larger tools and appliances to be used with this generator.

The 992cc Generac engine was designed specifically for generators and features a pressurized lubrication system to send oil directly to critical areas of the engine. It has an electric start to help make this generator much easier to use.

Outlet Selection

The Generac GP15000E generator has one of the widest selections of outlets out of all of the generators on this list.

This makes this generator versatile in using up the 15,000 running watts.

Looking at the control panel, you can see that the outlets are laid out perfectly to ensure that you will have no problem hooking up just about anything to this generator.

Take your pick from 2 120V 20A 5-20R outlets, 2 120V 20A 5-20R GFCI outlets, 2 120V L5-30R 30A twist lock outlets, 1 125/250V 30A l14-30R twist lock outlet, 1 125/250V 14-50R outlet, and a 12VDC 10A outlet.

This is one of the best selections I have personally seen with a generator, which makes this Generac very impressive.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

The Generac GP15000E is going to come equipped with a large 16 gallon fuel tank that will allow for up to 10 hours of runtime at 50% load.

You will also get a built-in tank fuel gauge and fuel filter for easy maintenance.

Stand Out Features

This generator is all business and doesn’t feature many stand out features.

You do get electric start, wheels, and a handle that is built into the frame which makes this generator much easier to use.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
This generator is most likely going to be best suited for someone who is going to be using high wattage appliances or tools where starting watts are an important factor. Your average homeowner will most likely not need 22k starting watts for most back-up power supplies. However, if you are using it to live off the grid, this could be a great generator to use.

3. A-iPower SUA15000EC SUA15000E

As one of the lesser-known brands on this list, A-iPower has been making a great name for themselves in the generator industry.

If you have been following along on some of my other blogs on smaller generators, you may have seen their name pop up a few times as they have quickly become a more well-known brand.

Power

The A-iPower SUA15000EC portable generator is going to be powered by a 680cc OHV twin-cylinder engine that produces 24 horsepower.

This is going to allow this generator to make 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts, putting it right on par with the other generators on this list.

This generator is designed to run many household appliances at the same time, making it ideal for home back-up power.

Outlet Selection

At first glance on the SUA15000EC, I was thoroughly impressed to see covered outlets.

This is a feature I had hoped for on some of the higher end brands, but seeing it on the A-iPower lets me know that they are in tune with what the industry wants.

Under the hard plastic, snap-in outlet protectors are 5 outlets to allow you to plug in multiple appliances or tools.

You will get 2 GFCI 120V 20A 5-20R outlets, 1 120V 30A l5-30R outlet, 1 120V/240V 30A l14-30R outlet, and a 120/240V 50A L14-50R outlet.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

The SUA15000EC generator is going to feature an 8-gallon fuel tank to allow you to get up to 7 hours of runtime at 50% load and 5 hours of runtime at 100% load.

Stand Out Features

The biggest stand out feature on this generator is going to be the outlet protectors which help to block out moisture, dirt, and debris from destroying your generator.

You will also get a 4 wheel system to make moving the generator easy, however, these wheels are rather light duty, so moving it through a job site may require lifting.

This generator also has an electric start feature which is always a plus.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
While this generator has great outlet selections and some great features, the wheels on this generator are going to greatly limit the mobility, especially in grass and dirt. This generator will be great for those who plan on keeping it strapped down somewhere or moving it on a flat, solid surface, but for those who need to move it around on a softer terrain may look at other options.

4. Westinghouse WPro12000

Westinghouse is no stranger to any of my lists as they produce some of the best generators on the market in a wide variety of power levels.

When looking at 15kw generators, the Westinghouse WPro12000 was an easy choice as I have had great luck with any Westinghouse generator I have used in the past.

Power

This Westinghouse generator is going to come equipped with a 713cc Westinghouse V-Twin engine with a cast iron sleeve to help produce 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts.

With their own line of generator specific engines, Westinghouse engineers have thoroughly tested their engines for maximum performance in their generators.

This generator used clean power and is safe for electronics with less than 5% THD. Is also has Smart Idle to allow for automatic efficiency idling.

Outlet Selection

Like many of their other portable generators, Westinghouse has equipped this generator with full GFCI outlets and protective plastic outlet covers to keep your outlets protected from dirt, debris, and moisture.

The WPro12000 generator is going to feature 2 5V USB ports, 4 120V 20A 5-20R outlets, 1 120V 30A L5-30R outlet, 1 120/240V 30A l14-30R outlet, and a 120/240V 50A L14-50R outlet.

While most of these outlets are found on many of the generators on this list, the two USB ports are a nice change of pace and allow for quick charging of smaller electronics.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

The generator is going to come with a built in 10.5 gallon fuel tank to allow for a 16 hour run time at 25% load or 11 hours at 50% load. This will ensure that your WPro12000 can keep your appliances running throughout the day without having to worry about refilling.

Stand Out Features

Westinghouse is known for its standout features and this generator is no different. It includes covered outlets, an easy to use electric start, a digital data center, full panel GFCI, and built in wheels/handle for easy transportation.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
There has never been a Westinghouse generator that I have never been reluctant to stand behind. This WPro generator is a great example of a generator that can be easily used both commercially and a residential backup power generator. It has many great features along with a superb outlet selection that makes it easy to use this generator for just about anything.

5. Champion 100111

Another large brand in the generator industry, Champion, makes its way onto this list with its 100111 generator.

Champion has been a leader in the industry for years and produces many different sizes of generators to suit many different needs. Today, I am going to take a closer look at the 100111 and see what makes it one of the best 15kw generators.

Power

The Champion 100111 generator comes equipped with the tried and true 717cc V-twin Champion engine.

This engine includes a battery-powered electric start that can be turned on with the simple push of a toggle switch. It helps make 12,000 running watts and 15,000 starting watts for both commercial and residential use.

Outlet Selection

Champion is very well known for doing a great job pairing up their outlet selection with the power levels on their generators.

Oftentimes, you will see generators with large amounts of wattage capacities and a lackluster selection of outlets.

This generator further proves that Champion has its ear to the ground on which outlets consumers want on their generators.

With the Champion 100111, you will notice that all of the outlets are protected by plastic, snap-in protective covers which is a huge plus, especially on dusty job sites. These outlet protectors cover one 120V 30A locking outlet, a 120/240V 30A locking outlet, a 120/240V 50A outlet, and four 120V 20A GFCI outlets

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

You can expect to get about 10 hours from the 5.9-gallon fuel tank on this Champion generator. This should help get you through the workday on a single fill-up.

Stand Out Features

This generator’s most standout features are going to be protected outlets, electric start, foldable handles, built-in wheels, a volt guard to protect appliances from power surges.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
Champion will always be one of the best generators you can choose for both residential and commercial use. They are built tough to take on construction sites while being easy to use for homeowner use. This Champion generator is easily one of my top picks as it has a great outlet selection, is easy to use, and is easy to transport.

6. CAT RP12000E

CAT, short for Caterpillar, is not only one of the leading manufacturers of heavy machinery in the world, it is also one of the largest companies in the world.

This means that you can expect nothing less than the best from their line of portable generators, including this RP12000E generator.

Power

The CAT RP12000E generator is going to feature a CAT 670CC v-twin OHV engine that has built in idle mode option and a pressurized oil system.

This ensures that this engine is going to last for years to come and will run as efficiently as possible.

You can expect 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts from this generator which is perfect for complete home backup power solutions or running a job site’s worth of tools and lights.

Outlet Selection

CAT has done a great job in understanding how their generator will be used and has integrated protective outlet covers to make sure that your outlets are always protected from dirt, debris, and moisture.

This specific CAT generator is going to come with 1 12V DC outlet, 4 20A household outlets, 2 30A 120V L5-30 outlets, 1 30A 120/240V L14-30 outlet, and 1 50A 120/240V L4-50 outlet.

This gives you the ability to plug in just about any appliance or tool you can think of into this generator.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

The CAT FP12000E generator is going to feature a 13.2-gallon fuel tank to allow for 11.7 hours of runtime at 50% load. This makes it ideal for full-day use on the job site or overnight use during a power outage.

Stand Out Features

This CAT generator is going to feature great standout features such as covered outlets, LED control panel lighting for easy nighttime viewing, and built-in never-flat wheels with a collapsible handle.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
For the price being as competitive as it is, the CAT RP12000E is a great bang for your buck deal. Since it is built for mostly commercial use, the average homeowner could get a high powered generator built for the toughest conditions for the same price as a standard, non commercially built generator. I would highly suggest investing in any type of CAT product, especially this generator.

7. Northstar 15000

Northstar is a brand of generators that I have not previously reviewed, so when I saw the Northstar 15000, I was eager to see what they were all about.

After all, the price is in the higher range, so I wanted to see how it compared to some of the other generators on this list.

Power

This NorthStar portable generator is going to offer about the same type of power levels at 15,000 starting watts and 13,500 running watts.

It features a Honda GX690 OHV engine which produces 22 horsepower.

The running watts is a little higher than most on this list which makes it great for those who need a little extra wattage throughout the runtime.

The Honda engine is a great sign as Honda is known quite well for their engines.

Outlet Selection

When it comes to outlet selection, this NorthStar generator really blows away the competition with 11 outlets to choose from.

While they are not covered with protective outlets, I am thoroughly impressed by these offerings.

The NorthStar generator’s control panel is packed with 8 120V household outlets, 1 120V twist lock, 1 120/240V twist lock, and a 120/240V 50A outlet.

The 8 household outlets are something I have never seen before but wish I could see more of.

This allows you to plug in up to 8 different small appliances to be run at once.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

This generator is going to be equipped with an 11-gallon fuel tank that allows for 8 hours of runtime at 50% load. This is a little less efficient than most of the generators on this list, but it still provides a full workday’s worth of power.

Stand Out Features

Some of the great features you can expect on this generator are an ultra-quiet muffler, premium $100 copper-wound generator head, vibration isolation mounts, and a variable timing digital CDI ignition.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
At nearly $1,000 more retail than many of the other similar generators, I am not completely sold on the extra cost. The outlet selection and 4 year warranty do make a great upsell, but for this type of money, I would have expected a little more features to take advantage of.

8. Dayton 6FYA4

Another lesser-known brand, Dayton has made this list with its 6FYAA4 15kw generator.

This generator is the most expensive generator on this list, so let’s see if the price tag matches the power and features.

Power

The Dayton 6FYA4 generator is going to feature a 688CC Honda engine with an electric start. This engine is going to put out 20 horsepower and allow for 12,000 running watts and 19,600 starting watts.

It is safe to say that this generator was built for commercial use as the full tube cage and bare bones control panel aren’t exactly the prettiest things to look at from a residential use standpoint.

Outlet Selection

The outlet selection on the Dayton 6FYA4 generator is pretty standard for its class and there is an absence of protective covers which is a little disappointing if this generator is meant to be used commercially.

For this generator, you can expect 2 5-20R 120VAC Duplex GFCI outlets, 1 L5-30R 120VAC Locking outlet, 1 L14-30R 120/240VAC Locking outlet, and 1 14-50R 120/240VAC outlet.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

This generator is going to feature a large 13.2-gallon fuel tank which will allow for an 8-hour run time at full load. This is one of the best full load run times I have seen on this list, so a full day of use at full load is quite impressive.

Stand Out Features

This generator did not have any features that really stood out to me. At the price tag this generator sports, I really expected more features to be included.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
This generator is a textbook definition of a bare bones generator. At a price of over $6,000, this is probably going to be a generator reserved for those in the commercial industry with larger budgets. I would not suggest this generator for residential use as there are other budget-friendly options with more features.

Final Words

I hope that this review has made searching for a 15kw generator easier.

With investing a large amount of money into a generator of this size, it is important to know as much as you can before making a purchase.

If you really only need a small amount of power, see my list of the best portable generator, which will be more convenient.

As with any generator, you will want to make sure to completely read the manual to understand all of the features, specs, and maintenance schedules to keep you and others safe.

15kw generators carry a bigger responsibility than smaller standard generators, so ensure that you become quite familiar with operating your generator.

Are you currently using a portable generator? If so, what size, and what appliances are you running with it?

Please consider sharing this post with anyone you know who might be in the market for a 15kw generator!